“Asitha bowled a great line within the first couple of overs, however after that, they scored just a few runs off Dilshan [Madushanka],” Kusal mentioned after the sport.
In the course of the interval when New Zealand’s openers had been attacking, Sri Lanka needed to cope with a moist ball and a moist outfield, and a a lot skiddier floor, courtesy heavy rain throughout a protracted innings break. They may have been fearing the worst when nearing the midway level of the innings.
“After we had been batting, there did not actually appear to be a lot problem for the bowlers; there was no dew or drizzle to cope with,” Kusal mentioned. “However we have to give credit score to our bowlers. After the rain, with the dew, the ball will get fairly moist. So I believe the ball got here on to the bat higher for them [New Zealand] on the wicket, than it did for us.”
It was the dependable Theekshana, although, who ultimately offered the breakthrough, with a double-strike within the 14th over to take away each openers. This left New Zealand having to begin over once more, and gave Sri Lanka the opening they’d been searching for to show the screws.
“Our plan was to maintain the runs down at the very least, even when wickets weren’t coming,” Kusal mentioned. “The concept was to ensure the required run charge saved rising, and to construct that stress.”
Charith Asalanka has 9 wickets in as many earlier ODIs•AFP/Getty Photographs
“Truthfully, he is bowling fairly properly,” Kusal mentioned of his captain’s bowling exploits. “He has bowled a good bit since his time with the Underneath-19s. However after he got here to the nationwide staff, you’ll have 5 frontline bowlers commonly. So it would not be as widespread to make use of a part-time bowler.”
Asalanka has bowled in every of Sri Lanka’s final 9 ODIs, choosing up 9 wickets within the course of. Most of his success nonetheless has come on beneficial house surfaces, significantly within the collection earlier this yr towards India on a Khettarama turner.
His efforts on Wednesday, although, had been the primary in situations that may not have been as superb for spin bowling, and it speaks in the direction of Sri Lanka’s rising confidence in Asalanka, the bowler – one thing highlighted even additional by the truth that in a number of of Sri Lanka’s latest ODIs, they’ve opted to go along with simply 4 frontline bowlers.
“It was solely as a result of Charith had bowled so properly in earlier excursions that we determined to go along with simply 4 [frontline] bowlers [against New Zealand],” Kusal mentioned. “He understands what’s wanted of him when bowling, and adjusts relying on the batter. Whilst a captain, he reads lots of issues properly. Even throughout apply, we ask him to bowl extra, in order that he might be prepared when wanted.”
With Sri Lanka’s present part-time bowlers’ mixture, Dunith Wellalage finds himself out of the XI•Related Press
The long-term feasibility of such a plan is questionable, significantly with real batting allrounders in Dunith Wellalage and Chamindu Wickramasinghe discovering themselves out of the XI. Whereas Wellalage affords higher bowling – and also can work on his batting – Wickramasinghe can properly clear the ropes aside from being a extra helpful seam choice than Liyanage.
Additionally, by opting to play two part-time bowlers in Kamindu and Liyanage – the captain Asalanka stays a sure starter aside from harm or relaxation – Sri Lanka additionally rule out choice of getting a frontline fifth bowler. Nevertheless, in the meanwhile, they appear content material with trialing out their present mixture.
“Janith, Charith and Mendis – all three are bowling properly,” Kamindu mentioned. “In these kind of situations, when the ball is tougher to grip, then you definately want a seam bowler, which is what Janith is there for. The opposite two are there if it is a spinning wicket. Kamindu Mendis can bowl with each arms.
“Truthfully, they do the job when required. Typically, if the situations change, we are able to see if we have to herald a real quick bowler or spinner.”
